State Police Investigating Shooting

Melissa Lore, Independent Reporter

Thursday

Nov 1, 2018 at 4:39 PM

Arkansas State Police is conducting an investigation into the officer-involved shooting at a moving vehicle last week. According to the Newport Police Department, the incident occurred during a high speed pursuit in Newport.

On Friday, Oct. 26, Patrolman Mark Harmon of the Newport Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle near Watson Street in Newport. The 2008 Ford F350 fled from officers traveling high speeds through a heavily populated residential area.

During the pursuit, a passenger jumped out of the vehicle at the intersection of 5th and Main Street. Lt. Adam Bradley detained the subject and secured them in a patrol car. The pursuit continued with other officers and quickly came back in the direction and close proximity of Lt. Bradley, who was still in the roadway. Bradley discharged his duty weapon at the vehicle, firing three rounds. The vehicle stopped in the roadway on 5th Street and driver, James Crump, a 40-year-old resident of Mississippi, was removed from the vehicle and arrested. Crump is a Newport native.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and firearms were located in the vehicle along with various narcotics. Crump was transported to the Jackson County Detention Center where he is being held for Fleeing in Vehicle, Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Controlled Substance with Purpose to Deliver, Aggravated Assault, DWI, and Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test. His bond is set at $200,000.

Arkansas State Police was contacted and have begun an investigation in this incident at the request of the police department, which is standard procedure for any officer involved shooting. Any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident are encouraged to contact the Newport Police Department at 870-523-2721.

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